Label having alignment information

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a label system and method for label alignment and placement on a container. The label system includes a first label or a container whereby the first label includes alignment symbology and a second label having an alignment area corresponding to the alignment symbology of the first label. The second label is positioned on the container whereby the alignment area of the second label is aligned with the alignment symbology of the first label. Visibility enhancement indicia may be provided adjacent the alignment area to increase the visibility of the alignment area to the user. Other indicia may be used to align the container in a holder for bar code scanning.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/124,007, filed May 6, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a label, label system and method, andmore particularly to positioning of such label when affixed to acontainer.

2. Description of Related Art

Proper placement of a printed label on a container is, at times,important for ensuring subsequent reading of the information printed onthe label. If not properly placed, the printed information may not beeasily seen, or cannot easily be scanned, by automated equipment.

Proper placement of the bar code information on a specimen collectioncontainer is often important to ensure proper scanning of the encodedinformation by various clinical equipment and analytical testinginstrumentation. If the bar code information is not properly positionedon the sample container, the scanner of the instrumentation may not beable to read the bar code, thus requiring the operator to manually scanthe bar code information, or manually enter the bar code informationinto the instrumentation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method which is capable ofproperly aligning a label on a specimen collection container. Further, aneed exists for a system and method capable of printing indicia on alabel, such as bar code information, in a standard position with respectto the container for subsequent automated reading or scanning. It shouldbe noted that the term “indicia” is meant to incorporate singular or aplurality indication information.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a labelsystem and method are provided for proper alignment and placement of alabel on a container. Desirably, a label is provided that is capable ofbeing affixed to a container having alignment symbology thereon. Thelabel includes an alignment area corresponding to the alignmentsymbology of the container and at least one visual enhancement indiciaadjacent to at least a portion of the alignment area. In one embodiment,the visual enhancement indicia has a width that is less than the labelwidth. In another embodiment the visual enhancement indicia identifiesat least one characteristic of the container.

In another embodiment of the invention, a set of labels for labelingcontainers having alignment symbology thereon is provided. The setincludes a plurality of labels having an alignment area forcorresponding to the alignment symbology of the container, and visualenhancement indicia adjacent to at least a portion of the alignmentarea. The labels are affixed to a surface, prior to labeling thecontainers with the labels.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a label is provided that iscapable of being affixed to a container having alignment symbologythereon. The label includes machine readable information on the labeland demarcation indicia on the label to assist with aligning thecontainer for reading by the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a specimen container including a first label havingalignment symbology and container identification symbology;

FIG. 2 illustrates a second label including an opening corresponding tothe alignment symbology of first label of the specimen container of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a specimen container as in FIGS. 1 and 2 includingthe second label of FIG. 2 properly aligned on the container;

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b, 4 c and 4 d illustrate alternative embodiments of thelabel of the present invention whereby both first container label andsecond label must align to ensure proper placement;

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart according to the method for second labelgeneration (printing) and aligned placement of the second label;

FIG. 6 illustrates the second label of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a roll of second labels according to an embodiment ofthe present invention having visibility enhancement indicia adjacent thealignment area border;

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c illustrate second labels according to anembodiment of the present invention having different visibilityenhancement indicia;

FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c illustrate second labels according to anembodiment of the present invention having different visibilityenhancement indicia;

FIGS. 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, 10 d, 10 e, 10 f, 10 g, 10 h, 10 i, 10 j, 10 k,10 l each illustrate variants of the visibility enhancement indicia, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 illustrates a container bearing a second label havingdemarcation indicia, the container and label being positioned in aholder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in which like reference characters refer tolike parts throughout the several views thereof, FIG. 1 illustrates acontainer 10 with an alignment symbology 30 appearing on an outersurface of container 10. Alignment symbology 30 is designed to aid inthe alignment of an identification label subsequently placed over thecontainer. The alignment symbology may be any type of symbol capable ofassisting in the proper positioning and alignment of a subsequentlyplaced label. For example, the alignment symbology may be a distinctshape in the form of a graphic or pictorial representation, such as atriangle, rectangle, diamond, circle, or the like, and combinationsthereof. Alternatively, the alignment symbology may be a protrusionwhich can be felt with the finger.

As shown in FIG. 1, container 10 includes a first label 20 (sometimesreferred to as a pre-label) affixed to the outer surface of thecontainer or label bearing area 15, with alignment symbology 30 printedon label 20. Label 20 may further contain additional encoded or printedinformation thereon such as container identification symbology. Suchidentification symbology includes a bar code 25 and/or an alphanumericindicia 23, either or both of which may include information identifyingthe specific type of the container, the manufacturer lot number, theexpiration date, the size and/or shape of the container and the reagentsand/or additives included within the container.

As shown in FIG. 2, an identification label 40 (sometimes referred to asan over-label) is provided for placement on container 10. Identificationlabel 40 may include encoded or printed information thereon, such as abar code 45 and/or an alphanumeric indicia 43, either or both or whichmay represent an identification of the sample contained within thecontainer, information identifying the patient, what analyses are to beconducted on the sample and sampling information such as date and timeof sampling. Identification label 40 may be generated by a printerlocated at a nursing station or in a centralized laboratory or printedat the bedside with a portable printer.

Identification label 40 is provided as a second label capable of beingaffixed over label 20. Identification label 40 includes an alignmentarea 50 corresponding to alignment symbology 30 of label 20. Alignmentarea 50 may be an opening or notched cut-away of label 40. For example,as shown in FIG. 2, alignment symbology 30 is in the form of a v-shapedtriangle and alignment area 50 is a v-shaped notch appearing on the edgeof label 40. Alternatively, alignment area 50 may be a transparentportion having a shape designed to fit over alignment symbology 30, suchas transparent portion 51 as shown in FIG. 4 d.

As shown in FIG. 3, identification label 40 is positioned on container10 such that alignment area 50 of identification label 40 is alignedwith alignment symbology 30 of label 20, with alignment symbology 30being detectable through alignment area 50, thereby assuring properalignment of the identification label on container 10.

It is within the purview of the present invention that alignmentsymbology 30 and identification label 40 are contrasting colors, forexample, alignment symbology 30 is printed in black ink as a geometricshape, and identification label 40 is a white label including alignmentarea 50 therethrough. Therefore, the sharp contrast between the colorsof the alignment symbology 30 and alignment area 50 provides accurateassurance that identification label 40 is properly aligned overcontainer 10.

It is also within the purview of the present invention that alignmentsymbology 30 includes a protrusion, such as a v-shaped bump andalignment area 50 of identification label 40 is in the form of av-shaped notch extending through identification label 40. Therefore, thev-shaped notch is aligned with the v-shaped bump of container 10 orcontainer label 20 when identification label 40 is positioned overcontainer label 20, with the v-shape ensuring both vertical andhorizontal alignment of identification label 40 on container label 20.Moreover, such a protrusion provides a means for detecting properalignment both visually and through touch to assure proper placement ofidentification label 40 over container label 20.

As shown in FIG. 4 a, container label 20 may include a plurality ofalignment areas. Areas 50 a and 50 b at opposed label edges 41 and 42.Alignment areas 50 a and 50 b are designed to cooperate with twoseparate alignment symbologies appearing on container 10 and/orcontainer label 20.

It is within the purview of the present invention that alignmentsymbology 30 can be any shape or form, so long as alignment area 50 ofidentification label 40 properly corresponds to the shape and/or form ofalignment symbology 30.

As shown in FIGS. 4 b, 4 c, and 4 d, alignment area 50 can be in theshape of a diamond, or a circle which shapes would correspond to asimilar shape alignment symbology appearing on container label 20. Forease of use, alignment symbology 30 and alignment area 50 correspondingto shapes which are non-rotationally symmetrical, such as a polygon, toassure proper alignment in both a vertical and horizontal direction andprevent identification label 40 from being improperly skewed or canted.

As shown in FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c, alignment area 50 may be providedwith visibility enhancement indicia 53 adjacent the alignment area 50 onthe identification label 40. The visibility enhancement indicia 53 mayenable, for example, the user to more easily locate the alignment area50, which may not always easily discernible in the medicalpractitioner's environment.

In addition, the shape of the visibility enhancement indicia 53 is notparticularly limited. For example, if the alignment area is a triangularnotch as shown in FIGS. 8 a, 8 b and 8 c, the notch may be bordered bythe visibility enhancement indicia, so that the overall pattern istriangular, as shown in FIG. 8 b, or the notch may be encapsulated in arectangular shape, so that the overall pattern is rectangular, as inFIG. 8 a. As shown in FIG. 8 c, the visibility enhancement indicia 43may occupy that goes well beyond the immediate area of the alignmentarea 50. The bar code may be printed using thermal ink-jet printing.

The visibility enhancement indicia may be printed using the same colorink that is used to print the bar code on the identification label, or adifferent color may be used. When the visibility enhancement indicia issomewhat larger, different colors may be used for the area immediatelyadjacent the alignment area border and the rest of the visibilityenhancement indicia. In addition, the visibility enhancement indicia maybe solid, shaded (or some other pattern) or the like.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the characteristics(e.g., shape, color, pattern, etc.) of the visibility enhancementindicia and/or the alignment area may provide additional utility—such asindicating one or more characteristics of the container upon which suchindicia is affixed. For example, such indicia may be indicative of oneor more substances (or additives) in a biological specimen collectioncontainer, the container material (e.g., glass, plastic, plastic type),etc.

Embodiments in which the alignment notch 50 is semicircular are shown inFIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c, which also show corresponding visibilityenhancement indicia. Alternative arrangements for the visibilityenhancement indicia are shown in FIGS. 10 a through 101.

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of labels 40, having alignment area 50,enhancement indicia 53 and/or demarcation indicia 55 may be printed on acommon surface 61. The common surface 61 may be in the form of a roll 70as shown in FIG. 70, a sheet or some other surface.

The system and method for positionally locating indicia on a label foraligned placement of the indicia at a predetermined position on acontainer is illustrated in FIG. 5.

The system and method of use begins with an operator, such as aphlebotomist, being provided with a portable sampling kit including ascanner, a microprocessor/display screen and a printer including asupply of labels for printing thereon. As depicted in box 90 of FIG. 5,the patient identification bracelet is scanned with the portablesampling kit scanner to provide specific patient test and associatedspecific tube type requirements. The phlebotomist then selects theappropriate container 10 for containing the sample requirement. As shownin step 100 in the box diagram of FIG. 3, container 10 in the form of ablood collection tube is provided including bar code 25 includingencoded information which identifies the container type and defines thelocation of label bearing area 15 unique to that container type. Thephlebotomist is provided with a listing of patients requiring sampling.Each patient is provided with a patient identification bracelet,preferably including a bar code identification, as is well known in theart. As shown in step 200 of FIG. 5, the phlebotomist then scans barcode 25 on container 10 with the scanner. The portable sampling kit mayprovide the phlebotomist with confirmation that container 10 isappropriate for containing the sample requiring testing. It is alsopossible that the phlebotomist does not scan the container until afterthe collection and prior to requesting the printed label.

Bar code 25 includes encoded information which identifies the containertype and defines the location of label bearing area 15 unique to thatcontainer type. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1 a, container label ispositioned at label bearing area 15 of container 10 at a predetermineddistance h from the bottom of container 10. This predetermined distanceh is determined according to the container type including the size andshape of container 10. The microprocessor of the sampling kit processesthe encoded information of bar code 25 identifying the container typewith respect to the location of label bearing area 15.

The microprocessor further identifies what information is required forprinting on identification label 40 to be affixed to container 10.Identification label 40 is provided with information identifying thepatient, the type of sample, and what analyses are to be conducted onthe sample, as well as sampling information such as date and time ofsampling. As shown in FIG. 6, such information may be encoded as barcode 45, or may be in alphanumeric form, such as alphanumeric indicia 43or may be provided in both bar code 45 and alphanumeric indicia 43.

After identifying the correctness of the container type and theinformation to be provided on the label, the microprocessor processesthis information to determine the exact location for printing onidentification label 40. For example, the microprocessor may bepreprogrammed to ensure printing of bar code information at a specificpredetermined position on a container, regardless of the size and shapeof the container, so as to provide a standard position for such bar codeinformation for all containers to effectuate subsequent reading, forexample, by an automated analytical instrument including a bar codescanner. Thus, the microprocessor processes the information previouslyscanned from container label 20 with respect to the size ofidentification label 40. The microprocessor then determines the exactlocation for printing of the identification information onidentification label 40 with respect to the predetermined standardposition. In all cases, the alignment of the second label 40 onto thecontainer is accomplished by the cut out on the label that is placedonto a matching symbol on the container.

For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the microprocessor processes thescanned information to determine that label bearing area 15 of container10 is positioned distance h from the bottom of container 10. Further,the microprocessor recognizes from its memory that it is necessary toprint bar code 45 on identification label 40 at a predetermined positionwith respect to label bearing area 15 and container 10, according to astandard position for the specific instrument to conduct the testing.The microprocessor then determines the exact position for printing barcode 45 on identification label 40 according to the desiredpredetermined position of bar code 45 with respect to label bearing area15, for example, distance g from a bottom edge of identification label40. Once the correct tube is identified, the microprocessor theninstructs the printer to print the identification information in theform of bar code 45, visibility enhancement indicia 53 and/ordemarcation indicia 55 (as described below) on identification label 40at a position, for example distance g, defined by the predetermineddesired location of bar code 45 with respect to the containerinformation scanned from container label 20, as depicted in step 400 ofFIG. 5.

In order to ensure that the content printed on the identification labelcan be read by a bar code scanner typically attached to an automatedsample handling system, the “pucks” or holders that transport thecontainers must not be permitted to block the scanner. As containerscome in different lengths and outside diameters, the pucks typicallyhave an internal biasing mechanism to allow for tubes of differentdiameters and lengths to maintain a desired position inside the puckwithout moving. The system of reading the initial bar code, printing anew identification label and placing the identification label over thefirst label and/or container must not cause the bar code to beobstructed. As shown in FIGS. 9 a, 9 b and 9 c, demarcation indicia 55may be provided on identification label 40 to ensure proper placement ofthe bar code with respect to the scanner in the course of operation. Asshown in FIG. 11, the demarcation indicia 55 is placed on theidentification label so that the user can accurately and reproduciblyposition the container in the puck 62, ensuring that the bar code can bescanned by, for example, scanner 80.

Different container sizes may require a different location of thedemarcation indicia 55 on the identification label 40. This may beaccomplished by, for example, providing plural demarcation indicia onthe label 40, corresponding to differently sized containers, or byprinting a single demarcation indicia 55 dictated by informationregarding the type of container on which the label is to be placed. Thedesign of the holder 62 in the FIG. 11 may be, for example, a BekmanCoulter Power Processor carrier. However, the principle of usingdemarcation indicia may be applied to other instruments and front-endlaboratory automation by understanding the bar code reading needs ofthese instruments and how the bar codes are scanned.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the positioning ofdemarcation indicia 55 on the second label is defined by informationprovided on the first label. For example, bar code information 25 of thefirst label may be used to communicate to a printer positioninginformation regarding the demarcation indicia.

After bar code 45 is printed on identification label 40, thephlebotomist removes identification label 40 from the printer andaffixes it to container 10 at label bearing area 15, according to step500 of FIG. 5. Container 10 is provided with alignment symbology 30 andidentification label 40 is provided with opening 50 corresponding toalignment symbology 30. In this manner, proper alignment and positioningof bar code 45 at a predetermined position with respect to the standardscanning position and the size and shape of container 10 is assured.

Preferably, the alignment indicia are effective so that the bar codelabel is placed on container so that the bar code is not skewed morethan ±7.5 percent with respect to the major axis of the container,pursuant to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards(NCCLS). Preferably, the demarcation indicia are effective so that about100 percent of the bar codes are able to be read by the scanner.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Itwill thus be appreciated that a person skilled in the art will be ableto devise numerous arrangements which, although not explicitly shown ordescribed herein, embody the principles of the invention and are thuswithin its spirit and scope.

For example, although alignment symbology 30 and alignment area 50 areillustrated in the figures toward the top portion of a label, suchfeatures may be placed at any portion or portions of a label. Inaddition, the alignment symbology may be on a label affixed to acontainer or may be placed on/affixed to the container directly.

1. A label capable of being affixed to a container, the container havingalignment symbology thereon, the label comprising: an alignment area forcorresponding to the alignment symbology of the container; and at leastone visual enhancement indicia adjacent to at least a portion of thealignment area, wherein the at least one visual enhancement indicia hasa width that is less than the label width.
 2. The label of claim 1,wherein the visual enhancement indicia meets the alignment area.
 3. Thelabel of claim 1, wherein the shape of the visual enhancement indicia issimilar to at least a portion of the shape of the alignment area.
 4. Thelabel of claim 1, wherein the alignment area is an opening in saidlabel.
 5. The label of claim 1, wherein the alignment symbology isincluded on another label which is affixed to the container.
 6. Thelabel of claim 1, wherein the alignment area is a transparent portion ofsaid second label.
 7. A label capable of being affixed to a container,the container having alignment symbology thereon, the label comprising:an alignment area for corresponding to the alignment symbology of thecontainer; and and at least one visual enhancement indicia adjacent toat least a portion of the alignment area, wherein the at least onevisual enhancement indicia identifies at least one characteristic of thecontainer.
 9. The label of claim 8, wherein the characteristic comprisesat least one of: a substance contained in the container, a typeassociated with the container, a material with which the container isformed.
 10. A set for labeling containers having alignment symbologythereon, the set comprising: a plurality of labels, wherein each of saidplurality of labels includes; an alignment area for corresponding to thealignment symbology of the containers; and at least one visualenhancement indicia adjacent to at least a portion of the alignmentarea; and a surface upon which the plurality of labels are affixed,prior to labeling the containers with the labels.
 11. A label capable ofbeing affixed to a container, the label comprising: machine readableinformation; and at least one demarcation indicia to assist withaligning the container for reading by the machine.
 12. The label ofclaim 11 further comprising an alignment area, the alignment areasincludes information for positioning the label at a desired location onthe container.
 13. A method for printing a label that is capable ofbeing affixed to a container having alignment symbology thereon, themethod comprising: printing an alignment area on the label, thealignment area corresponding to the alignment symbology of thecontainer; and printing at least one visual enhancement indicia adjacentto at least a portion of the alignment area, wherein the at least onevisual enhancement indicia has a width that is less than the labelwidth.
 14. A method for printing a label that is capable of beingaffixed to a container having alignment symbology thereon, the methodcomprising: printing an alignment area for corresponding to thealignment symbology of the container; and printing at least one visualenhancement indicia adjacent to at least a portion of the alignmentarea, wherein the at least one visual enhancement indicia identifies atleast one characteristic of the container.
 15. A method for preparing aset of labels for labeling containers having alignment symbologythereon, the set comprising: printing a plurality of labels, whereineach of said plurality of labels includes: an alignment area forcorresponding to the alignment symbology of the container; and at leastone visual enhancement indicia adjacent to at least a portion of thealignment area; and affixing the plurality of labels to a surface, priorto labeling the containers with the labels.
 16. A method of preparing alabel capable of being affixed to a container, the label comprising:printing machine readable information on the label; and printing atleast one demarcation indicia on the label to assist with aligning thecontainer for reading by the machine.
 17. A method for facilitatingpositioning of a container in a container holder comprising: readinginformation provided on the container; printing at least one demarcationindicia on a label, the at least one demarcation indicia being capableof facilitating container positioning when affixed to the container,wherein interpretation of the information readable from the containerdetermines the location for printing the demarcation on the label. 18.The method of claim 17, wherein the container is an evacuated bloodcollection container.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein a scannerreads the information provided on the container.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein a printer prints the at least one demarcation indicatia onthe label, the printer being capable of communicating with the scanner.21. The method of claim 17, wherein the label comprises alignmentsymbology for facilitating alignment of the container in a containerholder.